Cutting serrations on front sight blade

[HankC]

My 1911 GI front sight glares in bright sun light. Is there an easy modification to reduce the glare? I don't want to bother replacing the sight. I know it is common to paint the sight, but I doubt it would be effective in term of reducing glare. Consider to cut fine serrations on the rear side of the half round sight blade with a needle file, but I can't think of an easy way to make even cuts. Is there a good way doing that?

 

[threoh8]

Being half-round will complicate it a bit, but checkering files will help. You might also want magnifying glasses and good lighting.

 

[macgrumpy]

Try a metal checkering file from Brownells

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/files/metal-checkering-files-prod488.aspx

 

[Jim Watson]

A checkering file would do it, but they are rather expensive.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...ols/files/metal-checkering-files-prod488.aspx

 

[BBBBill]

Brownells or Grobet checkering files. 75 LPI preferred. 50 LPI max spacing. Any less will look goofy. In fact 50LPI will look goofy on that tiny GI sight. A bit pricey from Brownells for one job, but will sure look better than trying it by hand with a triangular needle file. You could sell them here or elsewhere when done. Might find some used for less money on Ebay, Gunbroker, etc.
Also You can cut the rear face vertical and cold blue. The sight will still be tiny, but there will be less glare/sharper sight picture. Care will be required due to its tiny size.

 

[HankC]

hmm, I did not know checkering files go this fine. They are indeed expensive! If I just file the rear into a straight ramp, would that help reducing the glare hitting my eyes? I thought about cutting a vertical drop like BBBBill suggests, there is actually a Youtube for that, but it does not look too good!

 

[Drail]

Get a can of sight black. It WILL stop all glare. Or flat black spray paint (if you use the spray paint mask off the area around the sight with a couple pieces of tape). For range shooting I always had a can of sight black in my bag.

 

[HankC]

OK. While google checkering file, I came across this 8 in 1 thread repair file that goes down to 32 TPI and available at Sears for only $9.64. Anyone tried it for metal checking on small parts?
http://www.sears.com/lang-tools-lang-tools-2666-thread-restorer-file/p-SPM7629755802?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

or this one from Bike shop
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/58635/i/bikemaster-8-in-1-thread-repair-file?WT.mc_ID=80003&P_ID=508945&colorid=262&sizeid=5858&SITEID=Google+SEARCH+NON-BRAND+Product+Level+Ads+-+Google+Shopping+Campaign&P_ID=1327457456&adpos=1o5&creative=89457082613&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKEAiAoIK1BRCRiMqphvnlwlwSJAAOebPMuYfdkQ_rKndrb-rckUnm9So5jbcZSKrUnG0RhGMTlBoCVGDw_wcB

 

[243winxb]

Bead blast it.

 

[HankC]

Here is some example of cutting serrations with a thread restorer file. It looks promising! I need to get one!
http://www.knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46329

 

[Jim K]

If that is an original GI Model 1911 in anything better than junk condition, altering the sight will reduce the value a lot. Use sight black.

Jim

 

[BBBBill]

^^^ What Jim K said. Also 32 LPI will obliterate that sight. 50 LPI is really too much for it. As noted the sight black is your best alternative.

 

[Sunray]

"...easy modification to reduce the glare..." Like Drail says, paint it. Or sight black. Or nail polish. Or cold bluing. Reflected sunlight is usually caused by the finish being worn and checkering is going to make that worse. You need something on it.

 

[HankC]

It is a commercial GI model. I would not alter an original GI in anyway!